Berlin, 29–30 January — Last week, REUNIR researchers and policy experts convened in Berlin for an intensive policy design workshop led by colleagues from the German Public Policy Institute (GPPi). The workshop focused on anticipating future challenges and opportunities for EU foreign and security policy, enlargement, and the eastern neighbourhood.
Participants worked collaboratively to test assumptions, refine scenarios, and explore strategic options to strengthen the EU’s capacity to respond effectively in an era of multipolar competition and regional instability.
The workshop opened with a recap of projections from previous foresight exercises, encouraging critical reflection on evolving geopolitical dynamics, internal EU debates, and the implications of potential turning points, including renewed transatlantic uncertainty.
During the session on developing and selecting scenario frameworks, participants identified key drivers of change and developed structured approaches to modelling divergent futures for EU foreign and security policy. Discussions underscored the need for adaptable strategies that balance enlargement commitments, defence cooperation, and partnerships with neighbouring countries.
The workshop continued with group work on policy recommendations taking into account the developed scenarios, highlighting the importance of preparedness for both cooperative and competitive futures in Europe’s immediate neighbourhood.
The event concluded with a wrap-up discussion summarising key insights and identifying priorities for the next phase of the REUNIR project and related publications. Participants emphasised the value of collaborative foresight in strengthening EU policy resilience and ensuring that enlargement and neighbourhood strategies remain credible and effective in times of systemic crisis.
Funded under the European Commission’s Horizon Europe programme (Project ID No. 101132446), REUNIR continues to advance collaborative research and strategic dialogue to future-proof EU security, enlargement, and neighbourhood policies.
